Anyone with VBAC Experience or Stories?

I will apologize in advance if this has already been posted at any point, but I was wondering if any of you have VBAC experience, are doctors/nurses/midwives with opinions, or know someone who had a VBAC.

I know the success of a VBAC depends a lot on what caused the C-Section the first time around. Mine was purely fetal distress (my daughter was decending too fast and I was stuck at 6 cm, she passed meconium twice, and was de-celling to the point of NO heartbeat). Our experience was horribly terrifying and they estimate they got our daughter out merely minutes before she would have suffered brain damage. It all happened so fast and they actually had to put me under because there was no time for anything else. my husband, though an RN, wasn't even allowed in the room.

My recovery was brutal. I got an infection in my incision and had a 104 degree fever. I was so sick that it affected my milk production and I could only breastfeed for 4 months, having to supplement at 6 weeks. :(

Alas, I am considering a VBAC this time around. On one hand, I am petrified of another major surgery, yet am also scared of ending up with another emergency C-Section when I could have just scheduled one.

My midwife and doctor each estimate that 70% of women in my situation can have a successful VBAC.

Any input, ladies? I just want so badly to get to enjoy the birth of this child, and for me and my husband to both be present and conscious when it happens. :)

Thank you!

Hi Ladies-

I will apologize in advance if this has already been posted at any point, but I was wondering if any of you have VBAC experience, are doctors/nurses/midwives with opinions, or know someone who had a VBAC.

I know the success of a VBAC depends a lot on what caused the C-Section the first time around. Mine was purely fetal distress (my daughter was decending too fast and I was stuck at 6 cm, she passed meconium twice, and was de-celling to the point of NO heartbeat). Our experience was horribly terrifying and they estimate they got our daughter out merely minutes before she would have suffered brain damage. It all happened so fast and they actually had to put me under because there was no time for anything else. my husband, though an RN, wasn't even allowed in the room.

My recovery was brutal. I got an infection in my incision and had a 104 degree fever. I was so sick that it affected my milk production and I could only breastfeed for 4 months, having to supplement at 6 weeks. :(

Alas, I am considering a VBAC this time around. On one hand, I am petrified of another major surgery, yet am also scared of ending up with another emergency C-Section when I could have just scheduled one.

My midwife and doctor each estimate that 70% of women in my situation can have a successful VBAC.

Any input, ladies? I just want so badly to get to enjoy the birth of this child, and for me and my husband to both be present and conscious when it happens. :)

I am attempting a VBAC this time and wanted to suggest a group on cafemom to you. It's called "VBAC moms". I has a wealth of info and tremendous support from many women who have had VBACs and/or are wanting one. There are TONS of success stories on there also. It may be worth checking out for you. :) See you there!

I am attempting a VBAC this time and wanted to suggest a group on cafemom to you. It's called "VBAC moms". I has a wealth of info and tremendous support from many women who have had VBACs and/or are wanting one. There are TONS of success stories on there also. It may be worth checking out for you. :) See you there!

WOW! Your story sounds exactly like mine, even down to the fetal distress, infection afterward, and inability to produce milk for a long period. However, 2 years and 23 days later, I was able to successfully have a VBAC with my daughter. It was the easiest and most amazing experience ever. I pushed 3 times, and it was over! :)

The biggest cause for concern is the risk of Uterine Rupture. My doctor wasn't concerned at all. They basically just monitored me and said if the baby or I exhibited any symptoms of distress, into the operating room I would go. No problems arose, so I had a successful VBAC. :) Also, I was able to nurse for almost a year with her.

I am now 8.5 weeks pregnant and hoping to have another successful vaginal birth.

Best of luck! Start talking to your doctor early, if it's something you really want to do. If that doc doesn't think you should do it, then find a new doctor, or call around for a second opinion. It's your body, and you have every right to question what the doctor thinks is best for you!

WOW! Your story sounds exactly like mine, even down to the fetal distress, infection afterward, and inability to produce milk for a long period. However, 2 years and 23 days later, I was able to successfully have a VBAC with my daughter. It was the easiest and most amazing experience ever. I pushed 3 times, and it was over! :)

The biggest cause for concern is the risk of Uterine Rupture. My doctor wasn't concerned at all. They basically just monitored me and said if the baby or I exhibited any symptoms of distress, into the operating room I would go. No problems arose, so I had a successful VBAC. :) Also, I was able to nurse for almost a year with her.

I am now 8.5 weeks pregnant and hoping to have another successful vaginal birth.

Best of luck! Start talking to your doctor early, if it's something you really want to do. If that doc doesn't think you should do it, then find a new doctor, or call around for a second opinion. It's your body, and you have every right to question what the doctor thinks is best for you!

Thank you both so much for responding! I will most certainly check out the Cafe Mom group; it sounds like exactly what I am looking for to get some additional "non-clinical" information. :)

It is so nice to hear of a successful VBAC, particularly one so similar to my situation! Thanks for sharing with me!

Luckily my doctors are amazing and supportive (we actually had to change from the doctor who delivered our daughter because he flat out refuses VBACs) and willing to support whatever choice we make as a couple and as a family. :)

Best of luck, ladies! Thanks again!

-Kelly

Thank you both so much for responding! I will most certainly check out the Cafe Mom group; it sounds like exactly what I am looking for to get some additional "non-clinical" information. :)

It is so nice to hear of a successful VBAC, particularly one so similar to my situation! Thanks for sharing with me!

Luckily my doctors are amazing and supportive (we actually had to change from the doctor who delivered our daughter because he flat out refuses VBACs) and willing to support whatever choice we make as a couple and as a family. :)

I, for the life of me, cannot find that post you wrote me on last! So I'm writing to you here cause I didn't want you to think I ignored you. :)
You are welcome! What's your s/n over there? Pm me if you don't wanna post it here.

I, for the life of me, cannot find that post you wrote me on last! So I'm writing to you here cause I didn't want you to think I ignored you. :)
You are welcome! What's your s/n over there? Pm me if you don't wanna post it here.

I don't mind posting it here; it's close to my s/n for this site; aubreesmomplus1. However, I pretty much just "lurk" and read there. I posted on the intro site with no responses really and had emailed a few people about their experiences to no avail. I think I am just so used to the higher rate of activity on this board that I post here mainly. :)

But I truly have loved reading all the stories. Many of them are different from what I want (I am planning a hospital birth rather than a home one, I'm just not that brave and would never forgive myself if something went wrong with no time for medical intervention), but I think it is truly wonderful to read about women getting the birth they want, especially after a traumatic first go-around. Some of those stories were so amazing....

Anyway, you asked me a simple question and I managed to ramble on for a good two paragraphs. haha. So are you finding out the baby's sex? I am in Michigan (which seems relatively VBAC friendly), is your state the same way?

-Kelly

Haha! I do that all the time! :)

I don't mind posting it here; it's close to my s/n for this site; aubreesmomplus1. However, I pretty much just "lurk" and read there. I posted on the intro site with no responses really and had emailed a few people about their experiences to no avail. I think I am just so used to the higher rate of activity on this board that I post here mainly. :)

But I truly have loved reading all the stories. Many of them are different from what I want (I am planning a hospital birth rather than a home one, I'm just not that brave and would never forgive myself if something went wrong with no time for medical intervention), but I think it is truly wonderful to read about women getting the birth they want, especially after a traumatic first go-around. Some of those stories were so amazing....

Anyway, you asked me a simple question and I managed to ramble on for a good two paragraphs. haha. So are you finding out the baby's sex? I am in Michigan (which seems relatively VBAC friendly), is your state the same way?

Those stories make my eyes tear up like you wouldn't believe! All I've imagined for the last year is that moment when the baby slides out and up into my arms for the first time. Oh I can't wait!
Since I'm hoping for as different an experience as possible, I think it would be so awesome to keep the baby's gender a surprise. I don't know if I can do it though, lol. On the other hand, I have lots to focus on with this vbac so maybe I can hold out. I can't seem to make up my mind! What are your plans?
I'm not sure of Nevada as a whole, but I've heard there Are only 3 docs here in las Vegas that will do vbacs. Luckily my doc is one, and the hospital she delivers at (same one I had my first in) does support them. I'm a little bummed thought that she says I have to be confined to my bed for monitoring the entire time. I was considering trying no drugs this time but not if I can't move around! Fortunitely she has a high success rate for vbacs despite this. She said most women actually opt for a repeat section but she did 5 last year-only 1 had to be rushed back for surgery. Both mom and baby were fine though.

Those stories make my eyes tear up like you wouldn't believe! All I've imagined for the last year is that moment when the baby slides out and up into my arms for the first time. Oh I can't wait!
Since I'm hoping for as different an experience as possible, I think it would be so awesome to keep the baby's gender a surprise. I don't know if I can do it though, lol. On the other hand, I have lots to focus on with this vbac so maybe I can hold out. I can't seem to make up my mind! What are your plans?
I'm not sure of Nevada as a whole, but I've heard there Are only 3 docs here in las Vegas that will do vbacs. Luckily my doc is one, and the hospital she delivers at (same one I had my first in) does support them. I'm a little bummed thought that she says I have to be confined to my bed for monitoring the entire time. I was considering trying no drugs this time but not if I can't move around! Fortunitely she has a high success rate for vbacs despite this. She said most women actually opt for a repeat section but she did 5 last year-only 1 had to be rushed back for surgery. Both mom and baby were fine though.

WIth my son, my BP shot up at 34 weeks and we had 4 horrific days in pitocin labor and then I was shoved into the OR for a c-section. My incision got infected too. I really want to VBAC this time and the hospital I am at is willing to try it. I didn't get to breastfeed either since my son was in the NICU and was too preemie to suck. I pumped for 3 months. I hope with all my heart you are able to get the VBAC. This will be our last baby and I can only keep wishing I get to VBAC. Good luck! Stay positive! I know I get all worked up thinking I mgith end up back in the OR, but I try to visualize the vaginal birth and being able to hold him.

All the best,Cassandra

Hi Kelly,

WIth my son, my BP shot up at 34 weeks and we had 4 horrific days in pitocin labor and then I was shoved into the OR for a c-section. My incision got infected too. I really want to VBAC this time and the hospital I am at is willing to try it. I didn't get to breastfeed either since my son was in the NICU and was too preemie to suck. I pumped for 3 months. I hope with all my heart you are able to get the VBAC. This will be our last baby and I can only keep wishing I get to VBAC. Good luck! Stay positive! I know I get all worked up thinking I mgith end up back in the OR, but I try to visualize the vaginal birth and being able to hold him.

That's awesome that you are going to try to wait! DH and I are far too impatient. haha. We found out with our daughter Aubree too. :)

I keep trying to stay positive too, and think about the final outcome of a VBAC. I've done so much research and feel so much better now that our plan/decision is an informed one.

I still can't believe all the states/hospitals/doctors that discourage or ban VBACs! It blows my mind.... the incidences of complications are so small! The statistics are NOT there to support such drastic measures against a woman's right to chose. I am by no means fanatical about this, but I am educated and informed and I think it's mind-boggling!

I am glad you found a doctor to support your wishes. We will have to keep each other posted on this one, for sure! :)

Have a great weekend!

-Kelly

That's awesome that you are going to try to wait! DH and I are far too impatient. haha. We found out with our daughter Aubree too. :)

I keep trying to stay positive too, and think about the final outcome of a VBAC. I've done so much research and feel so much better now that our plan/decision is an informed one.

I still can't believe all the states/hospitals/doctors that discourage or ban VBACs! It blows my mind.... the incidences of complications are so small! The statistics are NOT there to support such drastic measures against a woman's right to chose. I am by no means fanatical about this, but I am educated and informed and I think it's mind-boggling!

I am glad you found a doctor to support your wishes. We will have to keep each other posted on this one, for sure! :)

I am so glad you are getting a chance for your VBAC as well! I think after having a traumatic experience (such as both of ours), something inside us changes a little. I went back over everything in my head and could pinpoint that decisions were made that we not in my best interest.... my doctor was C-section happy. :( My best friend and I had the same doctor and he induced BOTH of us before our due dates for no reason. Being first time moms (and just a day or so early for both of us), we didn't question him because he had been so wonderful up to that point. We both ended up with c-sections. I wish i would have listened to my gut instincts when we discussed delivery... I could tell he was pushing for a c-section even then. :( I can't help but wonder if all the fetal distress would have even occurred had I been allowed to go into labor on my own. I had to let that go because it was driving me nuts!

This is mine and DH's last child as well, so I know how you feel about wanting the experience that much more. I also hope with my heart that you have the birth you are aiming for. Let's keep each other posted on how things are going; there's just a few of us VBAC ladies on here. :) BEST of luck to you and your family and have a wonderful weekend!

-Kelly

I am so glad you are getting a chance for your VBAC as well! I think after having a traumatic experience (such as both of ours), something inside us changes a little. I went back over everything in my head and could pinpoint that decisions were made that we not in my best interest.... my doctor was C-section happy. :( My best friend and I had the same doctor and he induced BOTH of us before our due dates for no reason. Being first time moms (and just a day or so early for both of us), we didn't question him because he had been so wonderful up to that point. We both ended up with c-sections. I wish i would have listened to my gut instincts when we discussed delivery... I could tell he was pushing for a c-section even then. :( I can't help but wonder if all the fetal distress would have even occurred had I been allowed to go into labor on my own. I had to let that go because it was driving me nuts!

This is mine and DH's last child as well, so I know how you feel about wanting the experience that much more. I also hope with my heart that you have the birth you are aiming for. Let's keep each other posted on how things are going; there's just a few of us VBAC ladies on here. :) BEST of luck to you and your family and have a wonderful weekend!

I thought I emailed you over "messages" about this, but I guess my "baby brain" failed me again! haha!

That is SO WONDERFUL that you got your VBAC! I am so glad it went so well. :) Did you go into labor naturally? That's the only catch with my group of physicians, you have to start on your own. They will not induce a VBAC and let you go to 41 weeks. Since this is my second child and I actually was in active labor when I went in for my induction (they gave me cervadil (sp?) anyway), I am hoping it won't be an issue for me and I will go on my own in time. :)

Did you get an epidural with your VBAC? I had one the first time after the cervadil was inserted (I labored for 12 hours before they put it in, but then my pain doubled almost instantly). I am all about pain control, we all do what we need to do! :)

I'm just so happy for you! Your story gives me hope as well. :)

Talk to you soon, have a great weekend!

-Kelly

I thought I emailed you over "messages" about this, but I guess my "baby brain" failed me again! haha!

That is SO WONDERFUL that you got your VBAC! I am so glad it went so well. :) Did you go into labor naturally? That's the only catch with my group of physicians, you have to start on your own. They will not induce a VBAC and let you go to 41 weeks. Since this is my second child and I actually was in active labor when I went in for my induction (they gave me cervadil (sp?) anyway), I am hoping it won't be an issue for me and I will go on my own in time. :)

Did you get an epidural with your VBAC? I had one the first time after the cervadil was inserted (I labored for 12 hours before they put it in, but then my pain doubled almost instantly). I am all about pain control, we all do what we need to do! :)

I had a c-section with my first kiddo because he was breech (trying to hit the ground running I guess). It was very easy and the recovery, while not pleasant, was not too horrible. However, I missed out on the whole natural birth experience and felt cheated. My second and third sons were born via VBACs with no epidural. The first VBAC I labored only 3 1/2 hours, pushed him out in an hour and the whole experience was very easy. The second VBAC was a little longer. Labor lasted about 10 hours (only about 2-3 hours of hard labor though), and I pushed him out in 3 pushes. Both of the VBACs were far batter than the c-section. I can't even describe the feeling you get after the baby is out and those natural endorphins kick in. That's a high you could never get from drugs. lol And to have the little one put on my chest and be able to nurse immediately after birth was incredible. I had been told after my last baby that the hospital I am delivering at no longer does VBACs. so I was worried this time, but my OB has assured me that they still do them and he's all for it, so I'm excited to be able to have another one.

I had a c-section with my first kiddo because he was breech (trying to hit the ground running I guess). It was very easy and the recovery, while not pleasant, was not too horrible. However, I missed out on the whole natural birth experience and felt cheated. My second and third sons were born via VBACs with no epidural. The first VBAC I labored only 3 1/2 hours, pushed him out in an hour and the whole experience was very easy. The second VBAC was a little longer. Labor lasted about 10 hours (only about 2-3 hours of hard labor though), and I pushed him out in 3 pushes. Both of the VBACs were far batter than the c-section. I can't even describe the feeling you get after the baby is out and those natural endorphins kick in. That's a high you could never get from drugs. lol And to have the little one put on my chest and be able to nurse immediately after birth was incredible. I had been told after my last baby that the hospital I am delivering at no longer does VBACs. so I was worried this time, but my OB has assured me that they still do them and he's all for it, so I'm excited to be able to have another one.

When my kids become wild and unruly, I use a nice, safe playpen. When they're finished, I climb out. ~Erma Bombeck

http://positivepause.com/

From:
AubreesMamaPlus1

To: repeatoffender

Posted: Feb-27 09:55 AM (13 of 16)

Jessica-

That is so great! I hope my labor is as easy as both of your VBACs. :)

At this point I'm looking forward to simply being awake for the birth of my child! Didn't get that luxury the first time. :p

I am so comforted by stories of successful VBACs. I know that they are much safer than the stigma surrounding them leads us to believe; but it always lifts my spirits a bit when I get to hear another positive story. I can't wait for that natural high and my precious baby right there with me and my husband. :)

Thanks so much for sharing with us. Have a relaxing weekend and don't let those 3 kiddos torment you too badly.... haha. :)

-Kelly

Jessica-

That is so great! I hope my labor is as easy as both of your VBACs. :)

At this point I'm looking forward to simply being awake for the birth of my child! Didn't get that luxury the first time. :p

I am so comforted by stories of successful VBACs. I know that they are much safer than the stigma surrounding them leads us to believe; but it always lifts my spirits a bit when I get to hear another positive story. I can't wait for that natural high and my precious baby right there with me and my husband. :)

Thanks so much for sharing with us. Have a relaxing weekend and don't let those 3 kiddos torment you too badly.... haha. :)

When my kids become wild and unruly, I use a nice, safe playpen. When they're finished, I climb out. ~Erma Bombeck

http://positivepause.com/

From:
bitterpen

To: AubreesMamaPlus1

Posted: Feb-27 11:12 PM (15 of 16)

I actually went overdue to 42 weeks, and I was only 1 or 2 cm dilated. They induced me starting the night before with a cervix softener, and then moved onto Pitocin at 6 am. From there, it all happened pretty quickly! I got the epidural at around 11am, and I had her at around 1pm with only 3 pushes! The nurse almost had to deliver her. LOL The doc stepped out for a minute, and the nurse had me try a "test push", which almost delivered her right then and there. It was so simple, and so much more gratifying. I just hope this one is as easy!

I actually went overdue to 42 weeks, and I was only 1 or 2 cm dilated. They induced me starting the night before with a cervix softener, and then moved onto Pitocin at 6 am. From there, it all happened pretty quickly! I got the epidural at around 11am, and I had her at around 1pm with only 3 pushes! The nurse almost had to deliver her. LOL The doc stepped out for a minute, and the nurse had me try a "test push", which almost delivered her right then and there. It was so simple, and so much more gratifying. I just hope this one is as easy!

Wow! How exciting that it worked so well for you! Poor you going 42 weeks though... uggggghhhh...... haha. :)

It must be a least a little comforting knowing that you've accomplished it once before! I hope the experience is just as great this time around. Send me some "quick labor, little pushing" vibes, please!!! :)

Talk to you later!

-Kelly

Wow! How exciting that it worked so well for you! Poor you going 42 weeks though... uggggghhhh...... haha. :)

It must be a least a little comforting knowing that you've accomplished it once before! I hope the experience is just as great this time around. Send me some "quick labor, little pushing" vibes, please!!! :)

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